IDs for Purchasing Alcoholic Beverages

Acceptable IDs for Purchasing Alcoholic Beverages in Montana

The purpose of asking a customer for identification (ID) when they purchase alcoholic beverages is to verify that the person is at least 21 years old.

What Makes an ID Acceptable

Any government-issued ID is acceptable as long as it meets all of the following:

  • Contains a photograph.
  • Contains a date of birth.
  • Has not been altered or manipulated.

Examples of Acceptable IDs

If the above criteria are met, here are some examples of IDs:

Common

  • Montana driver’s licenses.
  • US passports.
  • Military IDs.
  • Montana Tribal IDs.

Less common but acceptable

  • Driver’s licenses from other states and foreign countries.
  • Other forms of government ID, including those issued by foreign countries.
  • Passports issued by countries other than the United States.

Unconventional but acceptable

These are acceptable as long as they meet the criteria above:

  • State (not private) college and university IDs.
  • Medical marijuana ID cards.

Montana Mobile Driver’s Licenses and IDs

Effective September 1, 2025, Montana’s mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs are acceptable for age verification. See the Motor Vehicle Division’s website for more information.

What you’ll need to accept them

  • Download a free reader app for your phone.
  • Purchase or rent an ISO 18013-5 compliant reader from an approved third-party vendor.

Remember: the purpose of asking for an ID is to make sure the purchaser is of legal age. Underage people will try different tactics to obtain alcoholic beverages. If in doubt, ask for a second form of ID or deny the sale.

Sales to anyone underage or to any person who is actually, apparently, or obviously intoxicated are against the law.

Questions?

Contact DORCARDEducation@mt.gov.

Legal References

All licensees must comply with all Federal and Montana alcoholic beverage laws and rules.

Updated August 2025. All licensees must comply with all federal and Montana alcoholic beverage laws and rules. Information in department communications may have been modified, superseded, or made obsolete by changes in federal or state law or the Administrative Rules of Montana. To verify the current validity of this fact sheet or ask a question, contact DORCARDEducation@mt.gov.